Russell Martin continues to haunt Rangers after what Hamza Igamane has done at Lille
Russell Martin has left a stain on Rangers.
Martin was appointed by Rangers in the summer and was seen as a controversial choice by the Ibrox board at the time.
Fan scepticism was ultimately proven right as Martin was sacked at Rangers after just 17 matches in charge of the Govan Club.
Danny Rohl has now been appointed by Rangers, but suffered a heavy defeat in his opening game against Brann in the Europa League.
Things could have been so much different if Hamza Igamane had stuck around rather than being let go by Martin and Co.
Hamza Igamane was let go by Rangers in the summer
Igamane joined Lille from Rangers over the summer as a lengthy transfer saga came to an end in G51.
The Gers made a sizable profit on the 22-year-old but have so far been unable to spend it effectively amid a series of messy transfers.
The biggest blow is the loss of a serious provider of goals and assists in what was a hugely positive debut season in the Scottish Premiership.
Having contributed to 19 goals in all competitions, there was always going to be interest in his signature, but the cards were in Rangers’ hands.
Speaking before his move was complete, Martin spoke out to say, “I think we all expect that to come to a close very soon, and he won’t be our player any more.
“That will be that, and pretty much everyone else [in the squad] is here.“
It seems as if there was a reason for Igamane to demand an instant Ibrox exit, as “he got what he wanted” according to the English head coach.
Whatever the reason, Igamane is now thriving in France and is making Martin and the Light Blues look silly.
Igamane scored two for Lille in Europa League vs PAOK
Lille fans can’t believe the level of player they’ve signed for such a low fee.
The Moroccan has already netted six goals in his opening nine games for the French outfit, with three coming in the Europa League.
Igamane added two to his tally despite his side falling to a 4-3 defeat against the Greeks on Thursday.
The former Rangers man was still superb, scoring two goals on six shots and creating two chances for his teammates.
PAOK clearly sensed the danger he posed as Igamane was the most fouled player on the pitch, being brought down five times on the night.
The Moroccan also won seven duels and chipped in with two defensive contributions, further cementing his qualities on the continent.
Martin got it wrong, Rangers got it wrong, and it looks likely that they will live in regret that they let Igamane go.
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